The planned second game in the series for the SNES, Star Fox 2, was scrapped due to the upcoming release of the Nintendo 64, but some of its features were used in Star Fox 64, such as all range mode and encounters with Star Wolf. It was the first game to introduce support for the Rumble Pak and was in fact advertised heavily alongside the new device. The game received positive ratings from reviewers who praised its smooth animation, detailed visuals, and use of multiple gameplay paths.

"Corneria, fourth planet of the Lylat system. The evil Andross turned this once-thriving system into a wasteland of near extinction.

General Pepper of the Cornerian army was successful in exiling this maniacal scientist to the barren, deserted planet Venom.

Five years later, General Pepper noticed strange activity coming from Venom. James McCloud, Pigma Dengar, and Peppy Hare of the Star Fox team were sent to investigate. Upon their arrival, Pigma betrayed the team, and James and Peppy were captured by Andross.

Peppy barely escaped Venom and returned home to tell James' son Fox about his father's fate.

A few years have passed. Andross has again invaded the Lylat system. General Pepper has turned to a new Star Fox team headed by Fox McCloud to save Corneria and free the Lylat system once again." -Star Fox 64 3D website